Through June, at least 2,535 members of the U.S. military died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 1,994 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

It's a 220-mile bus ride to Billings from this isolated community on the northern Plains. And despite being in a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis, Delores Wade often makes the trip so she can see her doctor.